Dear Sexual Abuse Survivor

Today, I am so thrilled to share a guest post from my friend Mary DeMuth. Mary and I met when I worked at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas. People knew I was writing and thought it’d be cool for me to meet a real author, so Mary came in and we chatted. She sent me a copy of her book and told me one day, maybe I’d have my book contract. Two years later, I did.

Beyond writing, Mary and I share a common thread that’s a little more faded, a little thinner. We were both sexually abused. Though our stories differ, our hearts beat the same for helping others know there is hope beyond abuse. We have survived, and you can too.

I don’t really like the word victim. Even survivor has a strange connotation. And I’m not too keen on victor. None of those words encapsulate what happened to you, the devastation sexual abuse enacted on your heart. But we’re strangled by language sometimes–even writers can’t adequately express horror.

I much like the word BRAVE. Because it’s so darn brave to walk away from something like that. It’s brave to forgive. Brave to live your life in the wake of sexual trauma. Brave to hold your head high.

First let me say I am sorry. I’m so terribly sad that sexual abuse is part of your story. It’s not right. Someone chose to take something from you–your volition and your body. That person (or people) violated you. They used their power and bully persuasion to overwhelm you with their sinful desires. And now you’re the one left feeling dirty and used–while so many perpetrators walk this earth free.

It’s not fair.

Some of you feel shame and guilt in gigantic measure, heaped upon you. Some of you feel that you invited the abuse. The way you dressed. The hole in your heart that longed for attention. The equating of sex with love and affection. You feel you wooed the perpetrator somehow. Let me say this: A person who adores and loves you would NEVER EVER violate you. Never. Instead of violation, they would protect. They would pray for you. They would honor your boundaries.

Someone’s selfish gratification is not your fault. Don’t own that. Dare to believe your worth, and allow yourself the feel the grace that God grants you. Forgive yourself. Let yourself off the hook. You were abused. You didn’t want it. Someone took from you–like a thief. They may have used slick words, threatened you, persuaded you that you wanted it, but it’s not true. Thieves are often liars.

All these coping strategies had good purpose a long time ago. They protected you. But now they’re strangling the life out of you. I only say that because I’ve walked the path of isolation and withdrawal. Actually, I spent about a decade of my life keeping the sexual abuse secret. And once I let the secret out, I decided I’d been healed, so I tucked it back away for another decade and lived inside myself–not daring to deeply engage my heart.

An untold story never heals, friend. Isolation only masks the problem.

Unfortunately, our stories have a way of coming out–almost always in our actions. We end up hurting those we love. Some people become perpetrators because they never deal with getting better.

I know there are questions. I have them too.

Why did God allow this to happen?

Why didn’t He step in and rescue?

Why do I have to suffer seemingly forever for something someone else did to me?

Why can’t I ever feel normal?

Will I ever be able to enjoy sex?

Why does my spouse have to suffer for something someone else did to me?

What’s wrong with me that I kept being violated?

Was I put on this earth to be stolen from?

Why am I here?

What was it about me that perpetrators found irresistible?

Why do other people keep telling me it was a long time ago and I should be over this?

I want to assure you that these questions are entirely, utterly normal. And you should ask them. You should wrestle with them. Some of them will not be answered this side of eternity.

When I feel overwhelmed by the whys and the whats, I stop a moment and consider Jesus. This may not resonate with you because you might be mad at Him. That’s okay. I hear you. But there is comfort in knowing Jesus understands.

He took on the sins of everyone, including sexual sin, upon His holy, undeserving shoulders. He suffered for everyone’s wicked crookedness. And when He hung on a cross, He did so naked. Exposed. Shamed. Humiliated. Bleeding.

That’s why, when I write about sexual abuse recovery, I have to involve Jesus. He has been the single best healer in my journey. He understands. He comes alongside. He “gets” violation.

Sexual abuse is devastating. It pulls the rug out from under your worth. It keeps you scared. It infiltrates nearly every area of your life, consciously and subconsciously.

But I am here to let you know there is hope. Though the healing journey is long, it is possible. When I tell my story now, it feels like I’m sharing about another person’s sexual abuse. I’ve experienced profound healing. It didn’t happen passively or quickly. I had to WANT it, pursue it. I had to stop shoving it down and bringing my story into the light–with praying friends, with counselors, with my husband.

I want to end this letter with this truth: You are amazing. You survived something traumatic and horrific. You are reading this letter blessedly alive, connected to others. Your story absolutely matters. Don’t let the trauma steal your story of hope today.

Joyfully free,

Mary

***

I’m humbled and grateful to be here today. A huge thank you to Anne for allowing me to share my heart. A little background. I’ve shared my sexual abuse story in the last few years, but I haven’t always been so open. Initially I kept it silent for a decade, then over-shared, then went silent another decade. The healing journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been good.

The book proved too risky for publishers, so I decided to crowdfund it, which turned out to be an amazing success. I cannot believe that now I can hold Not Marked in my hands, and also offer it to you. What’s unique about it: It’s written from the perspective of a survivor. It doesn’t offer cliche answers. It’s honest. And my husband shared his unique journey of how to walk a loved one through their sexual abuse.

Thankful to have found this….I am walking a woman through her past continual rape since age 5 which includes also witnessing the murder of two babies. Trying to learn all I can
And look forward to reading the book Not Marked. Thank You

Yes so True Jesus has healed me when I step up to faith.i had faith in God and his only Beloved Son JESUS Christ.all my life but never like I have since I found him walking with him praying learning what 2 is dom really is and I thank you JESUS. AMEN♡AND YES I BEEN THROUGH ABUSE ALL MY LIFE SINCE A KID AND SEXUAL ABUSE BY MY OWN FAMILY AND TODAY I CAN HONESTLY SAY I FOR GIVE THEM AND LOVE THEM AS IT NEVER HAPPY DUE TO THE POWER OF JESUS .JESUS TOUGH ME HOW TO FOR GIVE AND LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN AND TODAY IM GRATEFUL FOR ALL ME LEARNING THROUGH JESUS CHRIST AMEN♡

Love to you both. Thank you for sharing, and helping so many. Blessed to be in this community with you and have this as a resource to those I work with who have experienced trauma and hurt in this way. xo

I have had to live most of my life without help for my “type” of sexual abuse is being refused to be acknowledged as sexual abuse, it was as a child ritualized forced clothing removal and genital exposure to a mother for spanking. The symptoms are all the same including a loneliness, masochistic desires in adult sexuality with spanking, and suicide. I sought pro help and my abuse was validated but the sexual abuse community of survivors and parents who do this sort of punishment to children in this sexual manner refuse to believe or listen! I’m not alone as I have others who share the same sexual damage. When will this form of sexual abuse be recognized? NO parent of either gender should be allowed to ritually disrobe any child of any age unless for loving reasons of medical care and hygiene!

Once I opened my mouth about my sexual abuse, and later sexual addiction, I realized I was not alone in experiencing any of it. So many women and men came alongside of me in the onset of my recovery, and I am still continuing to heal. Finding a therapist and 12-Step group all led to my self-acceptance, forgiveness, and a new relationship with God. Now I sponsor and minister to others healing from the exact same things. It’s not perfect but it’s filled with grace.

Mary, I appreciate you forging the path for many of us women to talk about the darkness and pain and hope.

About Anne Marie

Anne Marie Miller is the author of four books and speaks at colleges, conventions, and churches on the topics of social justice, sexuality, health, addiction, grace and restoration. She also writes for various publications, studied family sociology, and is currently pursuing her DMS at Rockbridge Seminary. She lives with her husband Tim, a youth pastor. Read More…